Best Online Liberal Arts Programs in Hays, KS (2026)
Hays, Kansas has a population of about 21,078. The city’s median household income is $56,861 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 43.9% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. In Kansas, the top-earning liberal arts-related role is Management Analyst at a median $81,130 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Liberal Arts Schools to Hays
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer liberal arts programs. Distances are calculated from Hays city center.
No Hays-area programs are currently indexed in our directory.
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Kansas schools on the Kansas liberal arts page.
Liberal Arts Wages Near Hays
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Kansas, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $61,910 |
| Management Analyst | $81,130 |
| Technical Writer | $72,330 |
| News Analyst, Reporter, or Journalist | $34,330 |
| Editor | $54,480 |
| Training and Development Specialist | $64,670 |
| Human Resources Specialist | $76,490 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Hays at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 21,078 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $56,861 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 43.9% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
Other Hays-Area Cities With Liberal Arts Programs
- Dodge City, KS – 86.1 mi away (27,429 pop)
- Salina, KS – 91.9 mi away (47,123 pop)
- Hutchinson, KS – 94.9 mi away (43,507 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the highest-paying liberal arts roles in Kansas?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying liberal arts-related roles in Kansas are: Management Analyst ($81,130), Human Resources Specialist ($76,490), Technical Writer ($72,330). Wages for Hays workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Dodge City instead of Hays?
Dodge City, KS is 86.1 miles from Hays and has its own set of local liberal arts programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Hays an affordable place to study liberal arts?
Hays’s median household income of $56,861 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Hays while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Kansas public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.
Related Resources
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